The best budget smartphones you can buy

A budget smartphone buying guide names the iPhone 17E and Pixel 10A as the top picks in their categories.

The iPhone 17E is highlighted as the best cheap iPhone, while the Pixel 10A stands out as the best low-cost Android phone.

Buyers should expect tradeoffs versus flagship phones, including some premium features and top-end specs.

The guide helps shoppers choose affordable phones while understanding what they give up to save money.